Maybe when I wrote the previous post, I was a little annoyed because DJ Sneak blocked me. I'm not sure if it is because someone else on Twitter tagged me in their rant to him, so he blocked both of us, or he got wind of my blog entry (the latter I highly doubt). I feel like blocking someone who doesn't agree with you is an act a 12 year old girl makes. But before I slander him any further, which was NEVER my intention, I will stop. And reaffirm my position in that his opinion matters for what he has contributed to the House music scene. Otherwise, I wouldn't care, and I don't think peer DJs would either.
I truly didn't think Steve Angello would react, and for that I feel partially responsible. But if I were in their shoes, where they probably get slammed by those who profess to know "true house" all the time, I would have a hard time repeatedly taking it. Steve said "it doesn't get to me much. But sometimes ppl need to be put in place." Well, the backlash is palpable now, as seen on social media.
What's most interesting is that when you say SHM is not House, you put a lot of people in the "not House" category. Dirty South, AN21, Max Vangeli, Nicky Romero, Thomas Gold, Avicii...the list goes on. If I were them, I would be wondering "if what I'm making isn't house, then what on earth is it?"
Its a knee-jerk reaction for SHM fans, especially those who may have not delved into House music's past, to take, no, troll, on Twitter and slam Sneak. Slam him for his appearance, say "he sucks," the usual slanderous banter. This is an opportunity for them to find out who he is, and find out more about House history. People who don't know who Sneak is may have a one-sided view of him now, and that is just unfortunate.
But more concerning than the trolls of the internet is the bi-polar reaction of Sneak:
"what talent? They are fake ass hell. I'll smoke them anytime. No computers or people mixing next to them while they act like djs.
@SteveAngello hating never. Exposing the fake shit you guys portray indeed. I come from the Times real djs actually did it with love...
you live in La. You should try acting. I'll back off. ...
I don't hate you. Just being real about things. At least if you all can accept the truth about yourselves I will drop it.
Let's make it clear. I don't hate Smafia. I don't respect them for their lack of respect for doing all the fake performing. period
bitter I am not. I have devoted 25 years to this craft n music. I speak cause everybody else can't or won't."
He is retweeting people who agree with him, which is logical, but the thing I cannot comprehend is why isn't there an open dialogue? He seems so set in his opinion, even though it is flat out slanderous to SHM. My interpretation is that he's trying to say he disagrees that they don't play House (the way he played House) but the way he goes about it seems like flat out hate to me. And Sneak is doing such a disservice to the "old school" House sound. Instead of making people want to learn more, he is turning them off to it. Which is such a shame.
I should really quit while I'm ahead, but I have to say that I was most interested to see what industry sound-makers like Defected label boss Simon Dunmore had to say. Was disappointed to see him agreeing with Sneak, not giving the "other" house sound the benefit of the doubt. But I understand, he is a purveyor of a classic, soulful House sound. And the House community is more indebted to him than they know for CONTINUING to get that sound out, alongside the "pop house, EDM, screeching synth" whatever-you-want-to-call-it sound. Sebastien Leger, Loco Dice, Evil Nine and Dimitri from Paris have also shown Sneak support, with more I frankly just can't keep up with.
Another disappointment: Dennis Ferrer. Only because I thought he understood the game, especially after his quotes in 5Chicago http://www.5chicago.com/features/february2012/dennis-ferrer/index.html
"I still play the same. You're never going to hear Guetta out of my box. You won't hear any old soulful stuff either. If you play that stuff now, kids are just going to walk off the floor. That's why I always wanted to make forward thinking music. I mean, it's nice to pay homage to your past but you gotta keep it moving! And I'm sorry to say but I'd rather play to 53,000 18 to 30 year olds than worry about playing to a hundred 45 year olds!
Most of the people that used to be relevant are not anymore! Times change. This is a business. You have to keep relevant, because there's always some kid in his bedroom making ridiculous records! All the heroes that I grew up with are just not relevant right now because they're not willing to change with the times."
In a recent interview for the Dutch event Sensation, Ferrer said "there's pop house, and then there is house. I'm bringing house to Sensation." So I can understand how quick he was to side with Sneak. I was hoping for a different response. I mean, Ferrer is friends with Dirty Dutch producer Chuckie for crying out loud! But alas... If Sneak is going to listen to anyone, its not going to be people associated with SHM, its going to be his own peers, like Ferrer, like Dunmore. I hope MAW or Kerri Chandler talk some sense into Sneak. On the sidelines, in private. We don't need more house legends getting their image slammed just because they don't like SHM. Side note: I caught Kerri Chandler on Boilerroom this week and it was pure class. That music is all about love.
Ferrer champions the sound of Jamie Jones and Lee Foss. I absolutely love Hot Creations! I remember in one interview Axwell saying how he was excited to catch Jamie Jones at WMC 2012. Bottom line, producers in this industry don't give each other enough credit!
I can't help but wonder if Sneak thought the Martinez brother's BlackBerry stint was "selling out." Its such a double standard if its one of your own! I love the Martinez Brothers, their style is great. And I'm a BlackBerry fan. I don't think its selling out, but rather promoting their brand. But its not much different to what SHM does.
You can see the bifurcation of the two bodies of thinking on social media. What is sad the most is that no one is trying to push out the other's sound into oblivion. It just seems as if the two (underground & mainstream, old school & new school) cannot co-exist. Which is bollocks! Cause I like both and I'm sure there are other people who do too. I think the best way to succeed is to merge the two. Gina Turner and Laidback Luke do a pretty good job of attempting just that. Also, side note: Laidback Luke is like the nicest guy. Tries to respond to his fans on social media, mentors upcoming producers. Now that is the making of a ledge!
And the best example: Marc Kinchen. No one can dispute what legendary tracks he made for the house scene in the 90s, and CONTINUES to make. And does he produce for Pitbull, "Mr. 305." Yes he does. I am not a fan of Pitbull, but I am a fan of Marc Kinchen. Should we discredit him for his contribution to POP music? If you do, then its time to start singing "you are dumb. You are really dumb" a la Antoine Dodson. I know I know, that reference is so 2010. Check out the magic he performed changing the Nightcrawlers track into a 90s classic.
Magic I tells ya, pure magic:
In an ideal world there would be a moderator and call for "group hug." But I don't think thats gonna happen :( But this isn't some Hip Hop beef. They're not going to start flogging each other with glowsticks. Steve Angello took to Twitter to tell Sneak to settle the matter in private. Higher road. Sneak comes out with more social media exposure, but I don't think anymore the wiser. And I'm still blocked :(
All the tech-heads must be laughing at the House makers saying "what a bunch of noobs"
This whole situation is just sad. I hope something good can come out of it, but I'm doubtful.
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